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Two Young Cold Spring Girls Obtain Open Water Scuba Certification
It was a bleak & unusual late October weekend if not for any other reason than the age of the two candidates waiting their four final open water qualification dives. Claire Carroll, age 10 & Katie Robertson, age 11, both Haldane students, earned their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Professionals) Open Water Diver Certification under the direction of Dive Masters Ralph Giglio, Mike Negrin & Claudia Bonfote from Regional Scuba, Inc.
Katie & Claire worked along side numerous adult candidates mastering both technical classroom skills and decompression tables as required by PADI's Standardized International Examinations.
Both girls excelled at their textbook and pool skills allowing them to proceed to Dutch Springs, Pa. for a weekend of required final qualification dives & training to depths of
40'. Despite the 48-degree air temperature and the 60-degree water temperature, both girls had an enjoyable time and gained their International Open Water Diver Certifications. In addition to their accreditation both girls swam away with a new love for the water and the supporting academics that made it all possible.
Michael Negrin of Regional Scuba noted the girls' enthusiasm only added to the enjoyment for all students and staff; he also made reference to each 'being half fish' as well.
PADI has only recently incorporated the participation of young divers in its internationally recognized certification program. Regional Scuba, Inc welcomes all future divers to join them for training and advanced education at their classroom facilities located in Newburgh.
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